• Weekly Roundup – 05-Dec-25

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was preparing to haul the ‘Tidy Train’ from Williton to Bishops Lydeard when pictured alongside Platform 1 on Saturday 22nd November 2025. This loco will be in use on Saturday 6th December 2025 to assist the ‘Santa Express‘ on the climb from Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe Heathfield. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

     

    The first of the WSR‘s 2025 Christmas Season ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ specials will depart from Bishops Lydeard tomorrow 6th December at 11:00 with a steam loco at the head and our Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 assisting from the rear on the climb to Crowcombe Heathefield. The diesel is being employed on the first train of the day as ‘insurance’ in case of slippery railhead conditions that might otherwise result in delays to the timetable. On Sunday, two steam locos are rostered for use (one on the ‘Santa’ and the other on the ‘QB’ dining train) so one will assist the other in the same manner.

    The Christmas Specials are booking up quite quickly, so if you are thinking of supporting the WSR while simultaneously getting into the Christmas spirit, then click on this link or the image below to go to the WSR‘s events page and book your place while you have some choice remaining. The WSR image below is dated 2nd December, so availability will have tightened since it was produced.

     

    Following the successful visit of the ‘Inspiration‘ travelling exhibition train to the WSR last week, thanks go out to GWR for arranging shuttle services between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard stations on the Tuesday and Friday. These trains make the WSR so much more accessible, we really hope that they can be operated at other times, particularly during WSR gala events where they would make a big difference to the number of rail-orientated visitors who would travel by train from further afield.

    GWR Class 150 ‘Sprinter’ 150246 was pictured at Bishops Lydeard with her GWR and WSR crew members alongside. Photo dated 28th November 2025 by George Thomas © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WSRA Christmas Prize Draw – for the restoration of BR 2-6-4T 80064

    The West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) is the charity that supports the WSR and is constantly engaged in fundraising for relevant and worthy causes. This year, it is the restoration of BR 2-6-4T 80064 that is at the top of the list and a PRIZE DRAW has been organised based on a wide range of prizes that have been donated by local businesses, members and supporters. The tickets are priced at £2 each and have been selling like hot cakes, but restoring a ‘Standard 4 Tank‘ is no trivial undertaking, so let’s wish the WSRA all the best and try and give them some help and support as well !

     

    The draw closes on 15th December so ACT NOW to get your tickets and be involved in the draw, and in doing so support the WSRA and the WSR.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was used to shunt BR ‘Standard 4 Tank’ 2-6-4T 80064 from the WS Restorations ‘Swindon Shed’ to the North Yard at Williton on Saturday 27th April 2024. The ‘Standard 4 Tank‘ loco is the object of the Christmas Prize Draw that is being promoted by the loco owners, the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA). Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 4.0 

     

    THE FLOCKTON FLYER:

    Something else that has been brought to our attention is the re-screening of the ‘FLOCKTON FLYER‘ TV series on Talking Pictures TV (Freeview or Youview channel 82, Sky 328, Virgin 445, Freesat 306). Although intended as a children’s TV series, the location being the WSR and the period being 1976/77 provides a very interesting portrayal of the early days of the WSR, including an appearance by Park Royal Class 103 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) set P200 that was repainted in blue on one side only to make an appearance in the series !

    Here are a few photos taken from that most excellent resource wsr.org.uk:

    The WSR in 1976/77 – with ex-GWR 0-6-0PT 6412 suitable adorned as ‘FLOCKTON FLYER‘ along with Park Royal Class 103 DMU set P200 at Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Nick Jones © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    The filming of ‘THE FLOCKTON FLYER‘ TV series on the WSR back in 1976/77 – with ex-GWR 0-6-0PT 6412 and the Park Royal Class 103 DMU set P200 now in all-over pale blue livery – but on that side only ! Pictured just outside Bishops Lydeard station by John Wood © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

     

     

    IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2026 – the following events have been confirmed by the WSR, with more details to follow as soon as hire contracts have been finalised:

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    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– the continuing inclement weather at Williton kept the focus of the work on the various parts that needed cleaning, inspecting and painting, there being enough of these in progress to keep the team busy for several weeks !

    The plan is to shunt the yard on Saturday 6th December (weather permitting) to get at least one of the bogies inside the loco shed so that work can proceed regardless of the weather. Repositioning the engines has to wait until two ‘moons’ align, one being the need to have a crane on site, which will now be some time in January, and the other being the need to have the WSR‘s 7-tonne Fork Lift Truck available and ‘in ticket’ to reposition the engines once they have been lifted from the boiler trolley and lowered onto their stands at ground level.

    Meanwhile, after completing the fabrication of a towbar intended for use when moving D1010‘s bogies around the shed, Colin F and Reece turned their attention to the water pumps with a view to overhauling them while the engines are not available to work on, and will continue their preparations by obtaining or making the special tools that are needed for the work ahead.

    Colin F trial fits the newly-fabricated towbar to the Linde Fork Lift Truck – the towbar was made by Colin F and Reece and will be used when moving D1010‘s bogies around the loco shed. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd November 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 08 08401 (D3516) – the ‘spare’ vacuum exhauster was prepared for testing and powered up via the ‘test’ set of batteries that are no longer fit for loco use, via appropriate switchgear to ensure safe operation. The machine ran as expected with no issues, so this major item is now ‘good to go’.

    The first draft of the plan for the conversion of this loco to dual braking has been prepared by volunteer loco manager Ian and has been shared with the WSR for their review and feedback. meanwhile, work continues on the preparation of the smaller items that will also need to be installed on the loco.

     

    08401 (D3516) – the Westinghouse vacuum exhauster, wired up and ready to test at Williton on Saturday 29th November 2025. Photo by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco will be in use in the afternoon of Saturday 6th December 2025 for shunting the South Yard at Williton in connection with secondmen training that is kindly being provided by DEPG member, WSR Diesel Traction Inspector and author, John Leach.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is stabled at Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued while outdoors. When the shed is available, she will move indoors so that her leaking engine room roof can be removed and repaired.

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is now based at Bishops Lydeard where she will remain ‘on duty’ in support of the Christmas seasonal steam-hauled services. She may not get much use because all of the Christmas services are rostered for steam haulage this year, but the upside is that she will be under cover throughout the winter.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is stabled on number 1 road at Williton and is receiving some light maintenance work and internal cleaning.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is currently based at Loughborough on the Great Central Railway and will remain there until the end of April 2026. The GCR have been making good use of the loco and are able to use her during the cold season because carriage heating is being provided by their steam heating van. This has been the subject of much interest because it provides a mobile steam heating capability that can be put to use with non-boiler-fitted diesel locos or used as a static facility to pre-heat carriages before steam haulage, reducing the amount of coal being burned and shortening the number of hours that the steam locos need to be in steam.

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 at Loughborough Central Station on Saturday 22nd November 2025, with the GCR‘s Train Heating Boiler Van 3178 (formerly BR BSK 34590, built 1955) about to be coupled behind the loco. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    The ‘Boiler Van’ is a converted Mark 1 brake coach (formerly type BSK) that has been stripped of passenger accommodation and the resulting space filled with water tanks, a generator and a boiler (or more accurately, a steam generator). The conversion work was done by BREL Derby in 1971 and a batch of 22 ‘Boiler Vans’ were supplied to Irish Railways where they were in regular use until 2006. Click here to read the story of sister van 3173 now preserved by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland at Inchicore, Dublin.

     

    The generator and the boiler are fed from diesel fuel tanks that are suspended from the underframe in the centre of the vehicle. On the plus side, the vehicle can provide plenty of steam for a full day’s work, but the downside is that the loco has to haul an additional vehicle weighing over 40 tonnes.

    Back in BR days, most diesel locos designated for passenger haulage were fitted with boilers from new, but they were often a source of trouble and many fell into disuse, leading to widespread passenger dissatisfaction. Stories abound of secondmen having to spend almost the entire journey in the boiler room trying to keep the boiler alight and the passengers quiet.

    Note – the Class 33 was the first mixed traffic diesel loco to be built with Electric Train Heating (ETH) and never carried a boiler, unlike her Class 26 and Class 27 cousins.

    For heritage diesel locos that only see limited use in cold weather, the issues associated with maintaining a boiler and the associated systems were often the justification for the removal of the facility, and few heritage diesel locos still have steam heating capability. The ‘Boiler Van’ approach addresses that shortcoming in an effective and practical way and also provides the means to warm carriages at the platform, allowing their use on non-running days as meeting places or cafes. Having the ‘Boiler Van’ equipped as a brake van negates the need for another brake vehicle in the rake, allowing all other vehicles to be dedicated to carrying passengers – cosy, warm and contented passengers !

    Pictured at Loughborough Central Station on Saturday 22nd November 2025, the GCR‘s Train Heating Boiler Van (formerly Irish Railways 3178, BR BSK 34590) was evidently steaming well, but the coaches were not getting the benefit of this warmth because of a ruptured steam coupling hose ! Photo by Andrew Royle © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    The failure of the flexible steam hose (removed and on the platform) resulted in a massive escape of steam at Loughborough Central Station on Saturday 22nd November 2025, delaying the pre-heating of the carriages until the pipe had been replaced. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Here are the remaining running dates for D7018 on the GCR:

    Day and Date Event Notes
    Wednesday 31st December The ‘Nightrider’ Link to the ‘Nightrider’ GCR page
    April 2026 Spring Diesel Gala Contact the GCR for more info

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continued on the engine, with all six pistons installed and all six cylinder heads fitted by the end of the day on Tuesday 2nd December. Great progress, well done team !

    D9518 – all six pistons and cylinder heads have now been installed in the Paxman 6YJXL engine that will be fitted to D9518 once completed. Pictured at Williton on 2nd December 2025 by Linda Trott © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is now based at Bishops Lydeard where she will remain throughout the winter to cover for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019). This loco will be in use on Saturday 6th December to assist the rostered steam loco on the climb to Crowcombe Heathfield with the first train of the day. This has been found to be helpful to protect timekeeping, given the wet and slippery railhead conditions that result from the currently wet and windy weather.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and we hope that she will be rostered to assist with some of the Christmas Specials, to help keep her in good operating condition. DEPG volunteer Viv Jones has brought our attention to the new Channel 4 series ‘STEAM TRAIN DIARIES’ in which ‘NORTH STAR‘ makes an appearance in the THIRD episode, substituting for a steam loco during the period of high fire risk, earlier this year. Click this link or the image below for details. MANY THANKS to Viv for letting us know about this TV coverage.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is fully serviceable, and has been used several times during the last few weeks to move locos around the yard.

     

    If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

    Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

     

     

    NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

    Good news – we believe that our supplier is now up to date with deliveries, so if you think otherwise then please get in touch with us by using our CONTACT FORM.  So, now is the time to place your NEW order via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

    So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and we now have the new design for the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ featuring two locos side by side, one in green livery and the other in blue, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store – we are adding more options on a weekly basis.

    New design for the DEPG Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Click here to place your order !

    We hope to have a new design for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ soon. Here’s a review of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

    Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP
    Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP

    T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt) Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP

     

    The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.

    The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:

    Garment type Price
    T shirt £22
    Polo shirt £25
    Sweatshirt £35
    Hoodie £37
    Fleece £40
    Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM

    Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.

    We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !

     

     

    ON SHED – this week, we feature the first of many photos that have been recovered from slides by DEPG member David Hingston. Some detective work is necessary to identify some of the locations, so the quickest and easiest way to do that is to include them in this feature and let our wise and learned readers respond with their opinions via email or by using our CONTACT FORM. The countdown has begun !

    In this slide, Class 45 ‘Peak’ D124 (45131) is in a location that is slightly elevated and has a mixture of colour-light and semaphore signalling. Where is this ? Having a freshly outshopped appearance in BR-blue, vacuum braked and displaying a headcode, the year is likely to be 1968.

    This loco was built at Crewe Works and entered service in Derby as D124 on 21st October 1961, becoming 45131 after conversion from steam to electric train heating in June of 1974. The loco worked for almost 25 years before being withdrawn on 30th September 1986 and was reduced to scrap metal at Vic Berry’s yard by August of 1988.

    Many thanks to David for sharing his photos with us all.

    In this scan of a colour slide, Class 45 ‘Peak’ D124 (45131) is in an unknown location, probably in 1968 and possibly on a south-west to north-east cross-country working. Can you help identify this location ? Photo by David Hingston © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

     

     

    NEW BOOKS ON SALE

    Not one but THREE new books were added to our online store in the last few weeks, with varied themes but all of great interest. Apologies for the delay in getting these new books shipped out, but the the backlog has now been cleared, so please GO AHEAD AND PLACE YOUR ORDERS via the DEPG online store now !

     

    Part 1 of a 3-part series by Bernard Mills, this new book is definitely a big success. Click here to place your order.

     

    Volume 2 of a 3-volume series by Michael Rhodes, this new book is going to be of great interest to many readers, including those who are not based in or come from the North-East. Click here to place your order.

     

    A rugged A5 wirebound booklet that will be essential reading for operators and crew of the popular Class 33 ‘Cromptons’, this book will also be of value to those with a broader technical interest. Click here to order your copy.

     

    There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.

     

    The DEPG 2026 A3 CALENDAR is available for sale and the recent uptick in shipments has prompted us to include it in the roundup ! Click here or on the following image to see a mini-presentation that steps through each page and gives the flavour of the contents. MANY THANKS to all of the photographers who donated their work for the benefit of the DEPG !

     

    DEPG NEWS: the next Board of Trustees meeting will take place at Williton on Saturday 13th December. If you are a DEPG member and you have a question that you would like to put to the Board, please use our CONTACT FORM or write to us at our registered address.

     

    The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!

     

    JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.

         

     

    If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.

    We look forward to hearing from you !

     

    Go to the previous Roundup post

    Go to Join Us page

    Go to Welcome page

    Go to Home page

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 28-Nov-25

    Despite the dismal weather, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 (and the GCR Steam Van) delighted the passengers aboard Steve Fulcher’s charter special on the Great Central Railway on Saturday 22nd November 2025. The loco was pictured passing Swithland Sidings Signal Box, photo by Andrew Royle © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 entertained for six round trips of the GCR line on Saturday 22nd November 2025, the first departing from Loughborough at 10:30 and the last arriving back at Loughborough at 21:06. The steam van was evidently working overtime ! Photo by Dave Hewell © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    The more hardy sort were gathered around D7018 at Leicester North for a group photo on Saturday 22nd November 2025, before getting back into the warm Mk 1 coaching stock for the last leg of the journey at the end of a very successful day. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    CONGRATULATIONS to DEPG member STEVE FULCHER on the success of his D7018 charter on the Great Central Railway last Saturday 22nd November, which went ahead despite the awful weather, using the GCR‘s Steam Heating Van in the consist to provide copious amounts of steam to keep the carriages warm and the passengers happy.

    D7018 performed faultlessly after being carefully prepared by DEPG Trustees Paul Tucker and Martin Howard the previous day, when a minor coolant leak was dealt with and the anti-freeze strength was topped up to protect the loco from the cold weather ahead. DEPG funds benefited from the use of the loco plus Julie Tucker’s efforts to sell DEPG merchandise on the train (against stiff competition from he who shall not be named but represents a well-known group that has three ‘Westerns’ in their care), the icing on the cake being a share of the proceeds from the on-train raffle and the winner donating his cash prize to the DEPG (thank you Neville) !

    The event was captured ‘on film’ by Martin Hawksby for his HELLFIRE TV YouTube channel, and his very interesting promotional video whets the appetite and definitely leaves us wanting more ! Click here or on the image above to view the compilation of video clips via his public Facebook channel (available to those who ‘don’t do Facebook’ – just close (or escape) from the Facebook pop-ups and you will get to the video). Images by Martin Hawksby and HELLFIRE TV © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    WELL DONE to STEVE and for everyone involved in delivering this very successful event. Hopefully, it will be the first of many such ‘Hymek’ charters on this and other lines!

     

    Last Saturday was a very busy day all round because FOUR DEPG locos were in use, with D7018 on the GCR as already reported but back home on the WSR …

     

    Here are some photos and videos covering these moves:

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was in charge of the ‘Tidy Train’ on Saturday 22nd November 2025 and was pictured at Williton Station after propelling the train from Dunster. The loco subsequently ran around the train and headed for Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was being uncoupled from the ‘Tidy Train’ when pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd November 2025, prior to running around her train for the return leg to Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was within Blue Anchor station limits when pictured with the volunteer Infrastructure Team at work on Saturday 22nd November 2025, Photo by Malcolm Anderson © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 09 D4107 (09019) shunted ex-GWR 0-6-0PT 6435 from the North Yard to the South Yard at Williton on Saturday 22nd November 2025, to attach her to Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) for the move to Bishops Lydeard. Class 33 D6566 (33048), Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 were stabled just beyond. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    A show of force at Williton on Saturday 22nd November 2025 – left to right, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017, Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516), 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048), Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057), Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1), ex-GWR 0-6-0PT 6435 and finally Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019). The ’33’ and the Pannier Tank departed shortly afterwards for Bishops Lydeard, leaving the ’09’ at Williton. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    This video shows Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 propelling the ‘Tidy Train’ into Williton Station on Saturday 22nd November 2025. Video by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    This video shows Class 09 D4107 (09019) shunting ex-GWR 0-6-0PT 6435 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) out of No. 1 road at Williton on Saturday 22nd November 2025. Video by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    This video shows Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) hauling ex-GWR 0-6-0PT 6435 (dead in tow) and Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) at Williton on Saturday 22nd November 2025. The ’33’ and the Pannier Tank departed shortly afterwards for Bishops Lydeard, leaving the ’09’ at Williton. Video by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    WSR NEWS …

    The RAILWAY 200 ‘inspiration’ travelling exhibition train has been based at Bishops Lydeard Station and has been open all week for pre-booked visitors, with the last day of the exhibition being Saturday 29th November. As an added bonus, GWR operated a SHUTTLE TRAIN service between Taunton Station and Bishops Lydeard Station on Tuesday 25th and again on Friday 28th November, connecting the WSR with the main line.

    GWR Class 150 ‘Sprinter’ 150248 was pictured at Taunton on Tuesday 25th November 2025 with the 10:05 to Bishops Lydeard special service, in connection with the visit of the ‘Inspiration’ exhibition train. Photo by Steve Thorneley © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    GWR Class 150 ‘Sprinter’ 150248 was pictured arriving at Bishops Lydeard with the ‘Inspiration’ exhibition train alongside, in the glorious autumn sunshine on Tuesday 25th November 2025. Photo by Mike Pinn © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    The WSR Christmas Specials will be starting on Saturday 29th November, the kick-off being the MINEHEAD STATION CHRISTMAS MARKET SPECIAL that departs from Bishops Lydeard at 10:30 on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th, returning from Minehead at 15:00 each day. The graphic below has been borrowed from the WSR’s Facebook page and gives a quick indication of some of the other specials that are on offer. Click here or on the graphic below to go to the WSR’s Christmas Events page:

     

     

    IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2026 – we can now advise that the following events have been confirmed by the WSR, with more details to follow as soon as hire contracts have been finalised:

     

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– the dismal weather at Williton last Saturday split the team in three directions, with some volunteers braving the elements to work on the ‘A’ bogie, some volunteers going underneath D1010‘s body out in the yard to prepare the underframe for painting, and some volunteers working on tasks associated with the need to unload the engines from the boiler trolley upon which they have been mounted since July 2024.

    The plan is to shunt the yard on Saturday 6th December to get at least one of the bogies inside the loco shed so that work can proceed regardless of the weather. Repositioning the engines will have to wait until we have crane on site, probably in January, but that is not far away in terms of working days.

     

    Class 08 08401 (D3516) – the ‘spare’ vacuum exhauster was cleaned up and inspected, then painted and re-assembled onto the mounting beam that also forms the vacuum reservoir. The next step is to apply power and test the exhauster to make sure that it is fully functional before installing it on the loco. The plan for the conversion to dual braking is quite complex and has to be approved by several parties to ensure that the work is done in a compliant way. Volunteer loco manager Ian is leading this effort.

    08401 (D3516) – the three main components of the Westinghouse vacuum exhauster were reassembled at Williton on Saturday 22nd November 2025, with volunteers (L-R) Ethan W, Neil C and Charlie heavily involved. Class 14 D9518 (NCB No. 7) dominates the background. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 09 D4107 (09019) – this loco has now arrived at Williton so that she can receive attention to bodywork corrosion around the cab roof and bonnet. Having the loco available at the yard is quite convenient for studying the layout of her dual braking equipment, as can be seen in this photo which shows the vacuum exhauster installation.

    D4107 (09019) – Ian R and Neil C examine the Westinghouse vacuum exhauster installation to learn as much as they can before copying the installation over to 08401 (D3516). Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is stabled at Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued while outdoors. When the shed is available, she will move indoors so that her leaking engine room roof can be removed and repaired.

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is now based at Bishops Lydeard where she will remain ‘on duty’ in support of the Christmas seasonal steam-hauled services. She may not get much use because all of the Christmas services are rostered for steam haulage this year, but the upside is that she will be under cover throughout the winter.

    D6575 (33057) is now based at Bishops Lydeard along with Class 14 D9526. Both will provide support to the WSR over the winter and will stay under cover as part of the bargain. Pictured on Wednesday 26th November 2025 by Paul Fleet © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is stabled on number 1 road at Williton and will undergo some light maintenance work and internal cleaning.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is currently based at Loughborough on the Great Central Railway and will remain there until the end of April 2026. The GCR have been making good use of the loco while she is in their hands, with local support being provided by DEPG Treasurer Paul Tucker, who happens to live very near to where the loco is stabled.

    Here are the remaining running dates:

    Day and Date Event Notes
    Wednesday 31st December The ‘Nightrider’ Link to the ‘Nightrider’ GCR page
    April 2026 Spring Diesel Gala Contact the GCR for more info

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work was paused because of the need to support sister loco D9526 and relocate her to Bishops Lydeard. The team will be back at work on D9518 as soon as possible.

     

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and we hope that she will be rostered to assist with some of the Christmas Specials, to help keep her in good operating condition. DEPG volunteer Viv Jones has brought our attention to the new Channel 4 series ‘STEAM TRAIN DIARIES’ in which ‘NORTH STAR‘ makes an appearance, substituting for a steam loco during the period of high fire risk, earlier this year. Click this link or the image below for details. MANY THANKS to Viv for letting us know about this TV coverage.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is fully serviceable, and has been used several times during the last few weeks to move locos around the yard.

     

    If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

    Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

     

     

    NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

    Good news – we believe that our supplier is now up to date with deliveries, so if you think otherwise then please get in touch with us by using our CONTACT FORM.  So, now is the time to place your NEW order via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

    So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and we now have the new design for the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ featuring two locos side by side, one in green livery and the other in blue, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store – we are adding more options on a weekly basis.

    New design for the DEPG Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Click here to place your order !

    We hope to have a new design for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ soon. Here’s a review of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

    Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP
    Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP

    T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt) Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP

     

    The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.

    The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:

    Garment type Price
    T shirt £22
    Polo shirt £25
    Sweatshirt £35
    Hoodie £37
    Fleece £40
    Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM

    Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.

    We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !

     

     

    ON SHED – this week, our attention shifts back to Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 and her arrival at Taunton from Old Oak Common on 30th July 1975, more than FIFTY YEARS AGO, to start her new life with the D+EG (predecessor of the DEPG). Thanks to information received from Glyn Newing, we have become aware of some very interesting (but very short) footage of D7017 that he found on the marvellous British Film Institute archive site, showing the condition of the loco in the weeks or months after her arrival at Taunton. Click here or on the image below to view this 50-year-old footage.

    This 50-year-old film footage shows D7017 at Taunton some time between July 1975 and March 1976, waiting for the fledgling WSR to open and allow her to move to Minehead along with industrial steam locos ‘VICTOR’ and ‘VULCAN’. The move eventually took place on 26th March 1976. Video courtesy of the British Film Institute.

    Many thanks to Glyn Newing for bringing this to our attention.

     

    Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

     

     

    NEW BOOKS ON SALE

    Not one but THREE new books were added to our online store in the last few weeks, with varied themes but all of great interest. Apologies for the delay in getting these new books shipped out, but the the backlog has now been cleared, so please GO AHEAD AND PLACE YOUR ORDERS via the DEPG online store now !

     

    Part 1 of a 3-part series by Bernard Mills, this new book is sure to be a big success. Click here to place your order.

     

    Volume 2 of a 3-volume series by Michael Rhodes, this new book is going to be of great interest to many readers. Click here to place your order.

     

    A rugged A5 wirebound booklet that will be essential reading for operators and crew of the popular Class 33 ‘Cromptons’, this book will also be of value to those with a broader technical interest. Click here to order your copy.

     

    There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.

     

    The DEPG 2026 A3 CALENDAR is available for sale and the recent uptick in shipments has prompted us to include it in the roundup ! Click here or on the following image to see a mini-presentation that steps through each page and gives the flavour of the contents. MANY THANKS to all of the photographers who donated their work for the benefit of the DEPG !

     

    DEPG NEWS: the next Board of Trustees meeting will take place at Williton on Saturday 13th December. If you are a DEPG member and you have a question that you would like to put to the Board, please use our CONTACT FORM or write to us at our registered address.

     

    The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!

     

    JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.

         

     

    If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.

    We look forward to hearing from you !

     

    Go to the previous Roundup post

    Go to Join Us page

    Go to Welcome page

    Go to Home page

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 21-Nov-25

     

    The RAILWAY 200 ‘inspiration’ travelling exhibition train has arrived at Bishops Lydeard and will be open for pre-booked visitors between Monday 24th and Saturday 29th November. As an added bonus, GWR will be operating a SHUTTLE TRAIN service between Taunton Station and Bishops Lydeard Station on Tuesday 25th and again on Friday 28th November – but only for use by passengers with tickets for the Exhibition Train – and more good news, the TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT ARE FREE !

    Here’s an extract from the WSR’s events page that gives more details:

         Inspiration is a static, interactive exhibition train on a 60-stop year-long tour of Britain for Railway 200, the national celebration marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway. It brings the story of Britain’s railways – its past, present and future – to life through immersive displays, personal stories and hands on exhibits. 

         Inspiration is for everyone, and is fully accessible. Inspiration is designed to engage people of all ages. Curated by the Railway 200 Team and the National Railway Museum, Inspiration features interactive displays throughout four carriages each offering a unique experience.

     

    Click here to visit the WSR’s ‘Inspiration‘ event page and get more details. The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust (WSRHT) will be manning their museum at Bishops Lydeard and operating their MODEL RAILWAY for the benefit of ‘Inspiration‘ ticket holders, so BOOK YOUR FREE TICKETS NOW to avoid disappointment.

    Interested in the making of the ‘Inspiration’ exhibition train ? – watch this YouTube video by clicking here or on the image below:

    Inspiration, Railway 200’s Travelling Exhibition Train is visiting Bishops Lydeard at the West Somerset Railway between 24th & 29th November 2025. Video by Railway 200 © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    GWR Class 150 ‘Sprinter’ 150266 was pictured while departing from Bishops Lydeard on a previous Taunton shuttle duty, on Saturday 31st August 2019. Click here for details of the November 25th and 28th shuttles. Photo by Tim Edmonds © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    ON THE GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY ….  THIS SATURDAY ….

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was pictured at Loughborough Central Station on Saturday 15h November 2025 with the GCR’s Train Heating Boiler Van coupled behind and evidently steaming nicely. This scene will be repeated on Saturday 22nd November and the steam heat will be even more appreciated. Photo by Paul Tucker © CC BY-NC 4.0 

     

    Our Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 is going to be out and about on the Great Central Railway this Saturday 22nd November making 6 round trips on the line, working a charter that has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details (D7018 services show as ‘Loco D2‘ and are highlighted in yellow), please contact Steve directly using the details further below OR JUST TURN UP AND PAY STEVE ON THE DAY (cash or card) if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this. PLEASE DO TRY AND SUPPORT THIS EVENT because that is the way to ensure that this will be the first of many such ‘Hymek’ charters on this and other lines!

    Steve has advised that the Griddle Car will be included in the train and will be open all day, and will offer CURRY in the evening, so if you were in two minds about going along, then this should clinch it.

     

     

    Back on the WSR, the Christmas Specials will be starting on Saturday 29th November, the kick-off being the MINEHEAD STATION CHRISTMAS MARKET SPECIAL that departs from Bishops Lydeard at 10:30 on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th, returning from Minehead at 15:00 each day. The graphic below has been borrowed from the WSR’s Facebook page and gives a quick indication of some of the other specials that are on offer. Click here or on the graphic below to go to the WSR’s Christmas Events page:

     

     

    IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2026 – we can now advise that the following events have been confirmed by the WSR, with more details to follow as soon as hire contracts have been finalised:

     

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– the cold and wet weather at Williton last Saturday didn’t deter the team from their seemingly never-ending task of scraping dirt from the bogies, in fact they seemed to be quite happy doing it. Sadly, the duty photographer was not as hardy and didn’t venture out to get any photos, so apologies for that!

    The photos that I did take (within striking distance from the shed doors and later in the afternoon) were of the pallets of parts that resulted from their efforts, to show how much more work will be required to clean, inspect, test and restore just this small collection of secondary suspension parts (from just one bogie !)

    D1010 – the secondary coil springs and spring hangers from just one side of one bogie are enough to fill a pallet. It will take many hours of work to clean up each of these component parts and make them ready for inspection and test. Pictured at Williton on 15th November 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – the coil springs are fitted around guides that take the form of tubes welded to baseplates that are in turn bolted to the bogie frame. The giant ‘mushrooms’ in the previous photo fit inside these guides, and the centre void is then filled with grease (crude, but it seems to have been effective). Pictured at Williton on 15th November 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Rain stopped play on the marking of more sponsored patches, which was annoying because the areas to be marked were ready and waiting. Tomorrow’s weather looks very doubtful, but hopefully we will get a good day soon. Thank you all for your patience !

     

    Class 08 08401 (D3516) – last week, with thanks to Ian Sugden for referencing his father’s Loco Register‘ books and to Neale Long for his ‘deep dive’ into his collection of Railway Correspondence and Travel Society (RTCS) ‘Railway Observers‘, we reported that this loco was converted directly from vacuum braking to air braking at BREL Swindon Works in October 1978 with no intermediate ‘dual braked’ period. This presents a challenge because the air braking equipment was installed in places where we need to re-install some of the vacuum braking equipment. Undeterred, volunteer loco manager Ian and his team have already started work on the detailed planning of how to modify the loco so that the dual-braking drawing can still be followed and the loco subsequently certified.

    08401 (D3516) – it seems that another of our new volunteers has migrated towards Ian’s team – Ethan W was spotted on board our newest acquisition at Williton on Saturday 15th November 2025. In the loco lineup on No. 1 road are Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33048) and D6575 (33057) – plus a cameo appearance by Ian ! Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Meanwhile, the vacuum braking equipment was retrieved from storage by Martin on Saturday, then cleaned up and checked by Ian and Ben on Sunday, then painted by Linda and Kaz on Tuesday. The results of this series of efforts are shown in the photos below:

    08401 (D3516) – the vacuum brake components were retrieved from storage by Martin at Williton on Saturday 15th November 2025. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    08401 (D3516) – the Westinghouse vacuum exhauster and motor were cleaned up and checked by Ian and Ben on Sunday 16th and were painted by Linda and Kaz on the following Tuesday. Pictured at Williton on 18th November 2025 by Linda Trott © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    08401 (D3516) – the mounting beam that carries the Westinghouse vacuum exhauster and motor has a hollow core that is used as the vacuum reservoir, therefore a very sensible space-saving feature. Pictured at Williton on 18th November 2025 by Linda Trott © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D4107 (09019) – this very useful dual-braked loco (air and vacuum) has been on duty at Bishops Lydeard since April and will now move to Williton to undergo bodywork repairs. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard on 19th November 2025 by Henry Reid © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is stabled at Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued while outdoors. When the shed is available, she will move indoors so that her leaking engine room roof can be removed and repaired.

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is moving to Bishops Lydeard tomorrow, Saturday 22nd November, where she will be ‘on duty’ in support of the Christmas seasonal steam-hauled services. She may not get much use because all of the Christmas services are rostered for steam haulage this year, but the upside is that she will be under cover throughout the winter. Click here to view the DIESELGEN bulletin to get the details.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is stabled on number 1 road at Williton and will undergo some light maintenance work before being ‘winterised’ later this month.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – as mentioned previously, this loco is currently based at Loughborough on the Great Central Railway and will remain there until the end of April 2026. The GCR will be making good use of the loco while she is in their hands, with local support being provided by DEPG Treasurer Paul Tucker, who happens to live very near to where the loco is stabled, and from DEPG Chairman Martin Howard, who will also be in attendance for the run on the 22nd.

    Here are the running dates:

    Day and Date Event Notes
    Saturday 22nd November Steve Fulcher’s charter email fulch40@hotmail.com
    Wednesday 31st December The ‘Nightrider’ Link to the ‘Nightrider’ GCR page
    April 2026 Spring Diesel Gala Contact the GCR for more info

     

    On Saturday 22nd November, a charter has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details (D7018 services show as ‘Loco D2‘ and are highlighted in yellow), please contact Steve directly using the details below OR SIMPLY SHOW UP AND PAY STEVE ON THE DAY (cash or card) if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this. PLEASE DO TRY AND SUPPORT THIS EVENT because that is the way to ensure that this will be the first of many such ‘Hymek’ charters on this and other lines!

     

    Steve has advised that the Griddle Car will be included in the train and will be open all day, and will offer CURRY in the evening, so if you were in two minds about going along, then this should clinch it.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continued on the electrical system re-wire and on the rebuild of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that last served in sister loco D9526, and volunteer Andy P made good progress on painting the battery box lids. The full team will be back on D9518 once D9526 departs for Bishops Lydeard.

    D9518 – the undersides of the battery box lids were the target for volunteer Andy P at Williton on Saturday 15th November 2025. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco will be working a ‘Tidy Train’ on Saturday 22nd November, starting at Williton but ending her day at Bishops Lydeard where she will remain throughout the winter to cover for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019). Click here to view the DIESELGEN bulletin to get the details.

    In readiness for her return to service, the recently-applied cabside transfers were treated to a spray coat of varnish, which will help protect the transfers from the worst of the weather.

    D9526 – careful preparations were being made by Colin G at Williton on Saturday 15th November 2025 before he applied a spray coat of varnish to the cabside transfers. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and we hope that she will be rostered to assist with some of the Christmas Specials, to help keep her in good operating condition. This loco makes an appearance in the ‘On Shed’ feature later in this issue of Roundup.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is fully serviceable, and has been used several times during the last few weeks to move locos around the yard.

     

    If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

    Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

     

     

    NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

    Good news – we believe that our supplier is now up to date with deliveries, so if you think otherwise then please get in touch with us by using our CONTACT FORM.  So, now is the time to place your NEW order via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

    So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and we now have the new design for the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ featuring two locos side by side, one in green livery and the other in blue, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store – we are adding more options on a weekly basis.

    New design for the DEPG Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Click here to place your order !

    We hope to have a new design for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ soon. Here’s a review of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

    Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP
    Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP

    T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt) Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP

     

    The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.

    The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:

    Garment type Price
    T shirt £22
    Polo shirt £25
    Sweatshirt £35
    Hoodie £37
    Fleece £40
    Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM

    Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.

    We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !

     

     

    ON SHED – this week, we have received permission to share a photo that was taken at Crewe Works in late 1983 or early 1984, where our very own 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ was receiving a heavy overhaul and being converted to Electric Train Heating (ETH), to subsequently emerge as 47613.

    As stated on our Loco Timeline page, her steam boiler had been isolated in February of 1982, probably as a result of a boiler failure, thereby restricting the loco to freight-only use in the colder months and reducing her overall usefulness. Luckily, the decision was taken to upgrade her to ETH, a move that guaranteed her long-term survival.

    It is interesting to note that the loco had been so thoroughly disassembled, but still displayed her nameplates proudly !

    This photo of 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was taken at Crewe Works some time in late 1983 or early 1984, during a heavy overhaul that resulted in the loco being upgraded to Electric Train Heating (ETH) capability and being renumbered as 47613. Photo by Peter Blunn © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Many thanks to Peter Blunn and to Howard Beveridge for obtaining permission for us to share this photo.

    Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

     

     

    NEW BOOKS ON SALE

    Not one but THREE new books were added to our online store in the last few weeks, with varied themes but all of great interest. Apologies for the delay in getting these new books shipped out, but they are on their way now and the backlog is clearing, so please GO AHEAD AND PLACE YOUR ORDERS via the DEPG online store now !

     

    Part 1 of a 3-part series by Bernard Mills, this new book is sure to be a big success. Click here to place your order.

     

    Volume 2 of a 3-volume series by Michael Rhodes, this new book is going to be of great interest to many readers. Click here to place your order.

     

    A rugged A5 wirebound booklet that will be essential reading for operators and crew of the popular Class 33 ‘Cromptons’, this book will also be of value to those with a broader technical interest. Click here to order your copy.

     

    There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.

     

    The DEPG 2026 A3 CALENDAR is available for sale and the recent uptick in shipments has prompted us to include it in the roundup ! Click here or on the following image to see a mini-presentation that steps through each page and gives the flavour of the contents. MANY THANKS to all of the photographers who donated their work for the benefit of the DEPG !

     

    DEPG NEWS: the next Board of Trustees meeting will take place at Williton on Saturday 13th December. If you are a DEPG member and you have a question that you would like to put to the Board, please use our CONTACT FORM or write to us at our registered address.

     

    The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!

     

    JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.

         

     

    If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.

    We look forward to hearing from you !

     

    Go to the previous Roundup post

    Go to Join Us page

    Go to Welcome page

    Go to Home page

     

  • DIESELGEN – 22nd November 2025

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was pictured at Loughborough Central Station on Saturday 15h November 2025 with the GCR’s Train Heating Boiler Van coupled behind and evidently steaming nicely. This scene will be repeated on Saturday 22nd November and the steam heat will be even more appreciated. Photo by Paul Tucker © CC BY-NC 4.0 

     

    Several DEPG locos are in action on SATURDAY 22nd NOVEMBER on a mixture of workings on more than one railway !

    On the Great Central Railway, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 will be working the ‘Steve Fulcher Charter‘ for which tickets are still available by contacting Steve directly – CLICK HERE to get more details. DEPG member and diesel-hydraulic enthusiast Steve has carried the financial risk of chartering D7018 while she is based at the Leicestershire line and has arranged for the steam heating van and the griddle car to be included in the consist, which will then make SIX round trips of the line, starting at 1030 and completing the final leg at 21:06 (it is not mandatory to do all six trips!). WELL DONE STEVE for making the most of D7018 while she is away from her normal home base.

    Please try to support this event to make sure that this is the first of many such charters !

     

    On the WSR – also on Saturday 22nd November:

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 will work ‘Light Engine’ (LE) from Williton (WN) to Bishops Lydeard (BL) to collect the ‘Tidy Train‘ and will then work it as far as Dunster before returning it to BL later in the day. The ’14’ will then remain at BL to cover for Class 09 Shunter D4107 (09019) which will be heading to Williton for body repairs during the winter. After arrival of the ’09’ at WN, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) will depart for BL with ex-GWR 0-6-0PT 6435 dead in tow.

    The approximate timings for these special workings are as follows:

         07:35 : Class 14 D9526 departs from WN LE for BL

         08:45 : Class 14 D9526 and the ‘Tidy Train’ depart BL for WN (non-stop)

         09:20 : Class 14 D9526 and the ‘Tidy Train’ depart WN for Dunster (DR) stopping as required.

         10:15 :  Class 09 D4107 (09019) departs BL LE for WN arriving 10:50

         12:30 : Class 33 D6575 (33057) departs WN for BL with 0-6-0PT 6435 at 15 mph

         13:15 : Class 33 D6575 (33057) and 0-6-0PT 6435 arrive at BL from WN

         15:20 : Class 14 D9526 and the ‘Tidy Train’ arrive at WN from DR

         16:00 : Class 14 D9526 and the ‘Tidy Train’ departs WN for BL

         16:40 : Class 14 D9526 and the ‘Tidy Train’ arrive at BL from WN

     

    NOTE – the timings may change to suit operational requirements

     

    This year, the festive Christmas seasonal specials are all planned for steam haulage, but Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) will be on duty at BL in case a helping hand is needed on wet or icy rails.

     

    The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:

    There are now ELEVEN Webcams on the WSR ! The new high-resolution webcams (some with auto-zoom capability) cover Bishops Lydeard, Crowcombe Heathfield (x2) Williton (x2), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor (x2), Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

     

    Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

    VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.

    Social media channels:

    Go to the Diesel Running Dates page

    Go to the About us page

    Go to the Home page

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 14-Nov-25

     

    Our Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 is going to be out and about on the Great Central Railway throughout this coming weekend as a participant in their ‘Last Hurrah’ mixed-traction gala event, along with visiting Class 27 D5370 (27024) and the GCR Home fleet. The GCR are making the most of D7018 as she will be working again on Saturday 22nd November making 6 round trips on the line, and also participating in their ‘Nightrider’ event on New Year’s Eve. The loco will be staying in Leicestershire until the end of April 2026 so that she can participate in their Spring Diesel Gala, so her ‘Maybach Music’ will be playing to many more audiences – and will no doubt captivate them and leave them all wanting more !

     

    Back at home on the WSR, the RAILWAY 200 ‘inspiration’ travelling exhibition train is visiting Bishops Lydeard between Monday 24th and Saturday 29th November and a SHUTTLE TRAIN service will be running between Taunton Station and Bishops Lydeard Station on Tuesday 25th and again on Friday 28th November – but only for use by passengers with tickets for the Exhibition Train – and more good news, the TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT ARE FREE !

    Here’s an extract from the WSR’s events page that gives more details:

         Inspiration is a static, interactive exhibition train on a 60-stop year-long tour of Britain for Railway 200, the national celebration marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway. It brings the story of Britain’s railways – its past, present and future – to life through immersive displays, personal stories and hands on exhibits. 

         Inspiration is for everyone, and is fully accessible. Inspiration is designed to engage people of all ages. Curated by the Railway 200 Team and the National Railway Museum, Inspiration features interactive displays throughout four carriages each offering a unique experience.

     

    Click here to visit the WSR’s ‘Inspiration‘ event page and get more details. The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust (WSRHT) will be manning their museum at Bishops Lydeard and operating their MODEL RAILWAY for the benefit of ‘Inspiration‘ ticket holders, so BOOK YOUR FREE TICKETS NOW to avoid disappointment.

    What is ‘Inspiration’ ? – watch this YouTube video by clicking here or on the image below:

    Inspiration, Railway 200’s Travelling Exhibition Train is visiting Bishops Lydeard at the West Somerset Railway between 24th & 29th November 2025. Video by Railway 200 © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Dare it be mentioned, but the Christmas Specials will be starting on Saturday 29th November, the kick-off being the MINEHEAD STATION CHRISTMAS MARKET SPECIAL that departs from Bishops Lydeard at 10:30 on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th, returning from Minehead at 15:00 each day. The graphic below has been borrowed from the WSR’s Facebook page and gives a quick indication of some of the other specials that are on offer. Click here or on the graphic below to go to the WSR’s Christmas Events page:

     

     

    IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2026 – we can now advise that the following events have been confirmed by the WSR, with more details to follow as soon as hire contracts have been finalised.

     

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– the weather at Williton turned out to be quite nice last weekend, allowing the team to complete the removal of the secondary springs from the ‘A’ bogie while clean-up work progressed on the ‘B’ bogie.

    A welcome boost to morale was the delivery of the refurbished and tested springs, comprising all 12 primary leaf springs (6 per bogie, fully refurbished and each fitted with a new buckle) plus eight secondary coil springs (from the ‘B’ bogie, tested OK) and the two giant secondary leaf springs from the ‘B’ bogie, which were also (thankfully) fit for further use without needing repair. MANY THANKS to OWEN SPRINGS of Rotherham for doing such a fine job on these springs.

    D1010 – the reconditioned primary springs (centre pallet) and the tested secondary springs (left and right hand pallets) have been delivered to Williton. Pictured with Class 33 D6575 (33057) in the background on 8th November 2025 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – the full set of 12 primary springs (for both bogies) have been fully disassembled, reconditioned and then fitted with new buckles, an excellent service provided by OWEN SPRINGS of Rotherham. Pictured at Williton on 8th November 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – the ‘B’ bogie is getting the ‘Ian F’ treatment in preparation for the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) that needs to be carried out on the bogie frame before the springs can go back in. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) provides the backdrop at Williton on 8th November 2025. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – meanwhile, the ‘A’ bogie was finally separated from it’s secondary springs after a massive effort that had spanned several weeks! Team member Glenn was cleaning up around the coil spring guides when surprised by the photographer at Williton on 8th November 2025. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – the ‘A’ bogie with her centre wheelset exposed, now ready for the cleanup to begin. Pictured at Williton on 8th November 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D1010 – the two massive secondary leaf springs from the ‘A’ bogie were finally extracted and now await cleaning, inspection and testing. Each spring carries one quarter of the weight of the loco body, therefore 19 tons ! Pictured at Williton on 8th November 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    We also made progress on the marking of a new batch of sponsored patches, with four separate areas marked out in a grid pattern and made ready for engraving. The drawings are also being updated to include these new patch areas and this will allow us to generate the certificates as part of the catch-up batch that we are currently working on. Thank you all for your patience !

    D1010 – Barry was busy measuring and marking up the grid that will be used as a guide when engraving the names and messages from the sponsors. To sponsor a patch on D1010, please CLICK THIS LINK. Pictured at Williton on 8th November 2025 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

     

    Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations. This loco will move to Williton at the end of the operating season so that the most urgent of the bodywork repairs that were started last winter can be continued. Class 14 D9526 will be moving to Bishops Lydeard to cover for the ’09’.

     

    Class 08 08401 (D3516) – last week, we asked if anyone knew where and when this loco had been converted from vacuum braking to air braking and we received several replies that confirmed the place was BREL Swindon Works and the date of outshopping was 7th October 1978.

    MANY THANKS to Ian Sugden, Keith Fender and Neale Long for providing us with this information !

    Ian’s father, the late Alan Sugden, was the author of the ‘Loco Register‘ books that were published by Platform 5 in the past and Ian now holds the files that contain such detail. Many thanks to Keith for acting as go-between and for obtaining this week’s ‘ON SHED’ photo of 08401 (D3516) and sister 08444 (D3559) from Ian to share with us all.

    Neale’s source was the Railway Correspondence and Travel Society (RTCS) periodical publication ‘Railway Observers‘, and the info was discovered after a ‘deep dive’, which probably took some time, given the amount of detail that had to be sifted through.

    See the updated TIMELINE page for this loco by clicking here.

    08401 (D3516) – this loco is now stabled on No 1 road at Williton and will undergo conversion from air braking to dual braking (air and vacuum) during the coming months. The updated timeline of her working life can be found by following this link. Pictured at Williton on 8th November 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is stabled at Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued while outdoors. When the shed is available, she will move indoors so that her leaking engine room roof can be removed and repaired.

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco underwent an oil change last Saturday and also had a new set of engine oil filters, which should keep her engine in good shape for another three or four years. The cost of buying the new oil and filters and disposing of the old oil and the contaminated filters is around £2,000 in total, so we only do the oil change when the periodic oil sample reports tell us that it is necessary. This is the same practice that has been used on mainline diesels since the 1970s and saves a lot of waste, while also flagging up the first signs of engine issues such as coolant leaking into the oil or unburnt fuel that ends up diluting the oil. The old adage ‘a stitch in time saves nine‘ is absolutely right in this case.

    This loco will soon be moving to Bishops Lydeard where she will remain ‘on duty’ and under cover throughout the winter.

    D6575 (33057) – this loco underwent an engine oil change at Williton on Saturday 8th November 2025, the first phase of which was to pump the 400+ litres of life-expired engine oil into the waste oil container alongside the loco, for subsequent removal and recycling. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is stabled on number 1 road at Williton and will undergo some light maintenance work before being ‘winterised’ later this month.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – as mentioned previously, this loco is currently based at Loughborough on the Great Central Railway and will remain there until the end of April 2026. The GCR will be making good use of the loco while she is in their hands, with local support being provided by DEPG Treasurer Paul Tucker, who happens to live very near to where the loco is stabled, and from DEPG Chairman Martin Howard, who will also be in attendance for the run on the 22nd.

    Here are the running dates:

    Day and Date Event Notes
    Saturday 15th November The ‘Last Hurrah’ gala Link to the ‘Last Hurrah’ GCR page
    Sunday 16th November The ‘Last Hurrah’ gala Link to the ‘Last Hurrah’ GCR page
    Saturday 22nd November Steve Fulcher’s charter email fulch40@hotmail.com
    Wednesday 31st December The ‘Nightrider’ Link to the ‘Nightrider’ GCR page
    April 2026 Spring Diesel Gala Contact the GCR for more info

     

    On Saturday 22nd November, a charter has been organised by DTG and DEPG member STEVE FULCHER. Here are the details (D7018 services show as ‘Loco D2‘ and are highlighted in yellow), please contact Steve directly using the details below if you would like to ride on this special train. WELL DONE STEVE for arranging this. PLEASE DO TRY AND SUPPORT THIS EVENT because that is the way to ensure that this will be the first of many such ‘Hymek’ charters on this and other lines!

     

    Steve has advised that the Griddle Car will be included in the train and will be open all day, and will offer CURRY in the evening, so if you were in two minds about going along, then this should clinch it. GET ON THE PHONE to Steve or email him and book your ticket now !

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continued on the electrical system re-wire and on the rebuild of the Paxman ‘Ventura’ 6YJXL engine that last served in sister loco D9526. The need to prepare sister loco D9526 for service took some of the resources away temporarily, but the team will be back on D9518 once D9526 departs for Bishops Lydeard.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco will be working a ‘Tidy Train’ on Saturday 22nd November, starting at Williton but ending her day at Bishops Lydeard where she will remain throughout the winter to cover for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019). Last weekend, a modification was applied to D9526 to allow her coolant level to be topped up without having to climb onto the loco bonnet. This modification involved adding a hose connection, a gate valve and a non-return valve to the existing cooling system pipework to allow a top-up to take place using a standard carriage hose when at the platform. A much safer way of working !

    D9526 – the coolant top-up modification was assembled on the bench before being fitted to the loco. The hose filler connection is the same as that used for coaching stock. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 8th November 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    D9526 – the coolant top-up modification was fitted inside the engine compartment of the loco at Williton on Saturday 8th November 2025. This allows the cooling system to be topped-up when at the platform by simply opening one of the engine bay access doors and connecting a standard carriage water hose. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and we hope that she will be rostered to assist with some of the Christmas Specials, to help keep her in good operating condition.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is fully serviceable.

     

    If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

    Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

     

     

    NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

    Good news – we believe that our supplier is now up to date with deliveries, so if you think otherwise then please get in touch with us by using our CONTACT FORM.  So, now is the time to place your NEW order via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !

    So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and we now have the new design for the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ featuring two locos side by side, one in green livery and the other in blue, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store – we are adding more options on a weekly basis.

    New design for the DEPG Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Click here to place your order !

    We hope to have a new design for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ soon. Here’s a review of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

    Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP
    Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP

    T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt) Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP

     

    The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.

    The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:

    Garment type Price
    T shirt £22
    Polo shirt £25
    Sweatshirt £35
    Hoodie £37
    Fleece £40
    Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM

    Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.

    We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !

     

     

    ON SHED – as mentioned previously, this week we have a fine shot of two Class 08 shunters that have both made it safely into preservation and are both currently serviceable, 08401 (D3516) having joined the DEPG fleet in October 2025 and 08444 (D3559) having been based at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway in Cornwall since 1987.

    Both were built at Derby Works in 1958 and were allocated to Doncaster (36A) at the time of the below photograph before heading in different directions, one east, one west. However, both are now together again in the West Country, and their future is assured.

    This photo of 08401 (D3516) and sister 08444 (D3559) was taken at Doncaster Works on Saturday 22nd October 1977. Both 1958-vintage locos survive in preservation today. Photo by Ian Sugden © CC BY-NC 4.0

     

    Many thanks to Ian for sharing this photo with us all.

    Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

     

     

    NEW BOOKS ON SALE

    Not one but THREE new books were added to our online store last week, with varied themes but all of great interest. The new Platform 5 books are arriving tomorrow and will be shipped out over the weekend, so GO AHEAD AND PLACE YOUR ORDERS via the DEPG online store now !

     

    Part 1 of a 3-part series by Bernard Mills, this new book is sure to be a big success. Click here to place your order (for shipment in mid-November).

     

    Volume 2 of a 3-volume series by Michael Rhodes, this new book is going to be of great interest to many readers. Click here to place your order (for shipment in mid-November).

     

    A rugged A5 wirebound booklet that will be essential reading for operators and crew of the popular Class 33 ‘Cromptons’, this book will also be of value to those with a broader technical interest. Click here to order your copy.

     

    There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.

     

    The DEPG 2026 A3 CALENDAR is available for sale and the recent uptick in shipments has prompted us to include it in the roundup ! Click here or on the following image to see a mini-presentation that steps through each page and gives the flavour of the contents. MANY THANKS to all of the photographers who donated their work for the benefit of the DEPG !

     

     

    DEPG NEWS: our Publicity Officer Mark Bladwell has been busy again, this time producing another edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter, right on time as usual!

    This 32-page edition has been sent out to all DEPG members who were on the membership register on 3rd November, either by mail or email according to the preferences set in your membership account. Please let us know by using our CONTACT FORM if you are a member but haven’t received your copy one way or another. Not a member ? Then click here to sign up to become a member or to re-join!

     

    The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!

     

    JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.

         

     

    If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.

    We look forward to hearing from you !

     

    Go to the previous Roundup post

    Go to Join Us page

    Go to Welcome page

    Go to Home page

     

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